PD/Fire/EMS - What do you carry/where

Fast LT1

Member
May 24, 2010
2,018
Sedgwick County, KS
Extra glock mags


Extra 9mm p94 ruger hand gun with armor piercing rounds made by hirtenberger


Taser cartridges


Boxes of ammo


Extra duty light


extra batteries


2 or more pairs of handcuffs and flex cuffs


Pens, extra ticket book


knife


traffic cone for flashlights


cellular phone charger


Tow rope


Jumper cables


First aid kit


A MAP- your computer will not always work and if you don't know the area thats a big problem


A cheap spare traffic vest, one from lowes that folds up small, that way if you have a ride along or if yours comes up missing


And in the winter time i carry a military folding shovel, so if i get stuck i can dig myself out of snow, sometimes i also carry a full size shovel if its bad that way i can help disable motorists


Thats all i can think of right now, if its your own car as in take home or you don't share it, i would also throw some other stuff in the trunk, like a wool blanket (can probably get for free at any fire dept. if you ask) and a couple bottles of water
 
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PJD642

New Member
May 20, 2010
1,543
east of Cleveland
Carry at least 2 sets of cuffs on your belt - then additional pairs in the bag.


Have one "go bag" in your trunk with clean underwear, socks, granola bars, trail mix, water, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, sudafed, aspirin/tylenol, baby powder, neosporin, bandaids, Q-tips, toothbrush & toothpaste, a good spare flashlight (Surefire 6P LED with spare CR123 batteries), duct tape, and things you will want if you're forced to remain on duty for longer than a normal shift. Jumper cables (not necessarily in the bag, but in the vehicle somewhere). Maybe a compact gun-cleaning kit like Otis makes in whatever caliber your handgun is. A roll of quarters and a couple $20s. Folding entrenching tool or spade, and a quality folding knife. Wool blanket or "space" blanket. 12v auto fuses of the kind your car & console use, in various amperage ratings. Pack everything in zip-top bags in case something leaks.


Up front, stuff that you'll use every day. Chargers for your cell phone, GPS unit, and other electronics. Forms that are useful but not needed daily, rain cover for your hat, evidence bags, sharps containers for needles, etc. Spare pens, a sharpie marker, spare ticket & warning books. Pocket-sized revised code books. A map of the county where you work, plus one of those red map books. Spare battery for your portable radio. Traffic cone for your flashlight. Digital camera & batteries or 12V charger for it. Traffic vest. Flat and Phillips screw drivers, a quality multi-tool, etc. Not in the bag, but your clip board should be able to hold 99%of the forms you need on a daily basis. I get along with a duty log, lockout waivers, statement forms, and one or two others. Don't worry about carrying vacation requests, sick leave forms, etc. You can do that crap at the station.


If you carry a rifle, keep a small bag with a shoulder strap containing loaded magazines next to it. If you do need the rifle, you can just grab the magazine bag and throw it on. Actually, any spare ammo you carry should be in magazines already.
 
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Ben E.

Member
May 21, 2010
2,417
Iowa, USA
Evidence bags, and a dog leash to bind people's feet and shut in the door.
 

Ben E.

Member
May 21, 2010
2,417
Iowa, USA
Station 3 said:
I carry in my duty bag Paperwork,50 extra rounds for my duty weapon, 25 extra rounds for my shotgun, duct tape, pens pencils, note pads, a good multi tool, extra flashlight, two extra pistols "Colt 1911 .45" And "Keltec PF9 9mm" and 50 rounds for each of those guns, a good knife, a box of medical gloves, alot of purell hand sanitizer, extra cash and change, snacks and drinks, a camera, cell phone charger, extra uniform, and thanks to SBPARKCOP i also carry an extra warning light just in case i need it a FLATLIGHTER Strobe.


Yes that is all inside ONE duty bag.

You say that like it would be hard to fit in one bag. Most normal people would have no problem fitting that all in one bag, but since yours is filled up 90% by the time you put all your "snacks and drinks" in, I could see how you'd have a problem fitting anything else.


:D
 

Jarred J.

Lifetime VIP Donor
May 21, 2010
11,580
Shelbyville, TN
Ok so I'm not LE but I have a "war bag" (brand name i guess thats all it says in it)


I keep a case with paperwork in it, A set of computer speakers, microphone/speaker for our radios, handheld cb radio and its 12v adapter, orange traffic gloves, power supply and antenna for the scanner in my car(in case i need to set it up at work, or anywhere else), My hand held scanner when not in use, a handkerchief, a bandana, small knife, (not allowed to carry on the job), 2d mag light, a 110 - 12v adapter for charging Cellphone, mp3 player, use of cb (which is almost never), pens and highlighters, mp3 player, maglight d ring, key ring (which i havent used in ages), and my breakfast (a bottle of sundrop and 2 biscuits, or burritos, or pancakes, depends on day of week)
 

iceman4122

Member
May 25, 2010
312
New York
Dont forget a stack of regular plastic cups to cover ballistic evidence (Shell casings, spent rounds etc.) so Sticky fingered Chief Joey doesnt kick around your crime scene!
 

Bonanno

Member
May 21, 2010
535
Neptune, NJ
What I carry:


Spare mini flashlight


Spare CR123 Batteries


Spare HT1250 battery & Mic


Roll of Duct tape


Space Blanket


handful of Nitile gloves


Hand Sanitizer


Search/Non-puncture Gloves


Gun lock (chain type to go thru action and out barrel/magwell)


Gun spray lube/cleaner


Rain Jacket (trench Coat type) & Rain Cover for my Cover


Extra Pens/Pencils/Shapries


Extra Cuff Key


Spare Handcuffs (2x on duty belt already)


Large Zip ties and Flexcuffs


Pair of fleece gloves and beanie for winter


Shove Knife (great for forcible entry)


Glass Punch


Seat Belt Cutter


Multi-tool


4-in-1 Screwdriver


Door chocks


Black Ball Cap (Dept Mini patch on front, Badge # embroidered on rear)


Wallet & POV Keys


Gum


Car Charger for Cell Phone


Extra mini Pads


Extra Business Cards


Wipes (hooah & lysol)


CPR Mask


Mini First Aid Kit


Folder (containing State & County Prosecutor's Office Forms, Victim Forms, Evidence Forms, property Forms, Arrest Reports, Etc.)


Metal Clipboard (MVA Reports, Notepad, Witness State Forms)


Had an extra Radio Holder and Handcuff Case(on loan to a co-worker)


All that is in the bag which is seatbelted in the front seat to secure it. Tucked behind it is my Traffic Citation ClipBoard with 3x Traffic Summons Books (10x Summons ea.) and 2x Boro Ord/Special Citation Books (10x Summons ea.) On that I have taped a list of the Boro Ord., Court dats for year, Radio Channels for In car Radios, and Offenses that are court-required for MV and Boro Ord. And a traffic vest tucked in next to the clipboard


I have my Cover tucked in between the passenger Head rest and Cage as well. My normal Car doesn't have a shotgun in it yet, but the car I use when the car I use is OOS or used by a Full-timer, the car I use instead does have a Remington 870 with a box of extra shells in Glove box.


In the Truck I have:


Trunk Organizer containing


- 2x Boxes of Traffic Flares


- Water Rescue Rope/Toss Bag


- ABC Dry-Chem Extinguisher


- Married Couple/Irons (Halligan Bar and Flathead Axe)


- Evidence Markers


- slim Jim


- Lock-out Kit


- 5x Traffic Cones


- First Aid Grab Bag with O2


- AED


- Crime Scene Tape


- Box of Nitrile Gloves


- Garbage Bag


- hand soap


- Sterile Water


- 6x Bottles of Water


- Evidence Bags


And the Pickup has 4x boxes of Flares behind Seats (its a 89 Ranger so its got somewhat extended cab behind the front and only row of seats), and 25x Cones in Bed, Road Closed & Detour Signs, Road Barricades. Pickup is used for Traffic details almost exclusively.
 
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HFD eng1ine

Member
Jul 27, 2010
974
Essex County. MA
Bonanno said:
What I carry:

Spare mini flashlight


Spare CR123 Batteries


Spare HT1250 battery & Mic


Roll of Duct tape


Space Blanket


handful of Nitile gloves


Hand Sanitizer


Search/Non-puncture Gloves


Gun lock (chain type to go thru action and out barrel/magwell)


Gun spray lube/cleaner


Rain Jacket (trench Coat type) & Rain Cover for my Cover


Extra Pens/Pencils/Shapries


Extra Cuff Key


Spare Handcuffs (2x on duty belt already)


Large Zip ties and Flexcuffs


Pair of fleece gloves and beanie for winter


Shove Knife (great for forcible entry)


Glass Punch


Seat Belt Cutter


Multi-tool


4-in-1 Screwdriver


Door chocks


Black Ball Cap (Dept Mini patch on front, Badge # embroidered on rear)


Wallet & POV Keys


Gum


Car Charger for Cell Phone


Extra mini Pads


Extra Business Cards


Wipes (hooah & lysol)


CPR Mask


Mini First Aid Kit


Folder (containing State & County Prosecutor's Office Forms, Victim Forms, Evidence Forms, property Forms, Arrest Reports, Etc.)


Metal Clipboard (MVA Reports, Notepad, Witness State Forms)


Had an extra Radio Holder and Handcuff Case(on loan to a co-worker)


All that is in the bag which is seatbelted in the front seat to secure it. Tucked behind it is my Traffic Citation ClipBoard with 3x Traffic Summons Books (10x Summons ea.) and 2x Boro Ord/Special Citation Books (10x Summons ea.) On that I have taped a list of the Boro Ord., Court dats for year, Radio Channels for In car Radios, and Offenses that are court-required for MV and Boro Ord. And a traffic vest tucked in next to the clipboard


I have my Cover tucked in between the passenger Head rest and Cage as well. My normal Car doesn't have a shotgun in it yet, but the car I use when the car I use is OOS or used by a Full-timer, the car I use instead does have a Remington 870 with a box of extra shells in Glove box.


In the Truck I have:


Trunk Organizer containing


- 2x Boxes of Traffic Flares


- Water Rescue Rope/Toss Bag


- ABC Dry-Chem Extinguisher


- Married Couple/Irons (Halligan Bar and Flathead Axe)


- Evidence Markers


- slim Jim


- Lock-out Kit


- 5x Traffic Cones


- First Aid Grab Bag with O2


- AED


- Crime Scene Tape


- Box of Nitrile Gloves


- Garbage Bag


- hand soap


- Sterile Water


- 6x Bottles of Water


- Evidence Bags


And the Pickup has 4x boxes of Flares behind Seats (its a 89 Ranger so its got somewhat extended cab behind the front and only row of seats), and 25x Cones in Bed, Road Closed & Detour Signs, Road Barricades. Pickup is used for Traffic details almost exclusively.

AWESOMe idea about getting a set of Irons for you car! So useful!
 

Bonanno

Member
May 21, 2010
535
Neptune, NJ
HFD eng1ine said:
AWESOMe idea about getting a set of Irons for you car! So useful!

Give that to one of my Sgts whose the fleet manager. He is also the FD Chief, and more then half of the PD are FFs either in the that town or their hometown. There's been times when for fire calls (summer weekend nights when we are running 8+ guys at the PD due to the amount of bars) that the Engine rolls with with all cops, the looks we get are priceless when we pull up.


Forgot to add we also have CBRN Escape Masks in all the cars. And we used to have MDTs but all are down and crashed.... which really sucks.
 

THEFLASH

Member
May 21, 2010
276
ALABAMA
I use a smaller bag for the ease of transporting/transferring in and out of the unit.


2 spare pistol mags fully loaded


2 spare rifle mags loaded


an extra pistol (Glock 19)


An extra box of ammo for each weapon


Backup radio


Spare Taser cartridges


Backup Flashlight


Trench coat style reversible Blauer rain jacket


Traffic vest


Ball cap


Multi tool


Multi function screwdriver (4 bits)


Extra fuses


(thanks to ELB) Electrical tape/wire cutters/butt connectors/spool of wire


Small first aid kit


dog leash to keep those drunk feet from kicking out the window


leg irons


2 pair extra cuffs (+2 on my belt)


Extra set of keys (house, car, cuffs)


2 packs of crackers


Space blanket


Cell phone charger


Off duty holster
 
Jul 14, 2010
1,639
S.W. Ohio USA
Mine has always had a pack of non-scented baby wipes. Great for many kinds of clean-ups, and always handy when someone forgets to replace the TP in the crapper.
 

THEFLASH

Member
May 21, 2010
276
ALABAMA
crescentstar69 said:
Mine has always had a pack of non-scented baby wipes. Great for many kinds of clean-ups, and always handy when someone forgets to replace the TP in the crapper.

You take your bag to the crapper? :D
 

MikeD

Member
Jul 3, 2010
135
Richmond, MI
I won't duplicate all the stuff previously listed, but I carry a few other items I didnt see:


- basic tools - flat & phillps screwdrivers, pliers, wire cutters, adjustable wrench


- a couple bungee cords of varying sizes (great for securing your trunk when transporting a bike or large item)


- bug spray


- sunblock


- CPR mask


- basic OTC meds (motrin, decongestants, antacids)
 
May 21, 2010
1,030
LKN, NC
So...I just received my latest check for "gas reimbursement" from my VFD (47 runs for this period, not too shabby). I really need to pay some bills, but I am going to let myself buy ONE tool that I don't have and I probably need.


Right now I'm leaning towards a helmet light. A Pelican to be specific. Although all our trucks have Survivors hard-mounted for all the occupants to use, I can't stand them. I'm thinking a Pelican because I can also use it for dive calls too.


awww.thefirestore.com_store_products_20030902115928_Photo2.jpg


BUT, I'm open to suggestions. I'm not signed off for interior firefighting yet, so that rules out a bunch of tools that I don't need at this time.


What do you think?
 

Bigassfireman

Member
May 23, 2010
823
U. S. of A. Ohio
vonirkinshtine said:
It's hard for me to justify a $120 flashlight though, lol.
Once you get it and use it the first time, you won't have to worry about justifying it. It's probably the best light out there right now as far as helmet lights go. And I would recommend not using your light for multiple things. If you need a dive light, buy one to use for that and that only.
 
Sep 13, 2010
761
Holland, Michigan
I have had good luck with my stream light 4 double A led flash light. Ditch the cheap mount though and get a black jack holder. I recently did just that and couldn't be happeir with that mount.
 

SPMRC

Member
Jun 10, 2011
400
Lubbock, Texas
Surefire is the best I ever had, even used it to hold my car up when I changed a tire, The jack didn't fit, and I had to stand the car on something, wooden board and the surefire.
 

RMBROWN

Member
May 20, 2010
631
Brooklyn.MI
The surefire thang i would of never thought of that...But now back on topic are whole dept has the foxfury commander series 20 helmet light and let me tell you this light kicks ass....No bolts just a rubber strap and a battery pack with a red indicater light for people behind you can see...Ive owned it for two yrs now and it hasnt failed me yet....
 
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May 21, 2010
1,176
NJ & IA
I carry webbing and a Streamlight 2AA single LED light in my left coat pocket, Super gloves in my right pocket, a Channellock 87 tool and extrication gloves in my right bunker pocket and I leave the left bunker pocket for personal things like my cell phone and keys, plus my PASS device key goes there when its activated.
 
May 21, 2010
1,030
LKN, NC
kinnelonfire75 said:
I carry webbing and a Streamlight 2AA single LED light in my left coat pocket, Super gloves in my right pocket, a Channellock 87 tool and extrication gloves in my right bunker pocket and I leave the left bunker pocket for personal things like my cell phone and keys, plus my PASS device key goes there when its activated.

Thanks for the info! I've never really known how to utilize my coat pockets. I don't always wear my coat depending on what's going on at the time, but I always have my turnout pants on.
 

HFD eng1ine

Member
Jul 27, 2010
974
Essex County. MA
I beg you to get the vantage. I promise ones you use it you will never regret spending your money. during overhaul, if u have some ceiling fall on you that pelican bracket will be bent. Now, the vantage's 1/4 inch aluminum bracket all mounted really close to the light will not bend no matter what and looks great mounted under the brim of a helmet. Plus you have that blue light so you can be seen from behind on the vantage. Honestly, find someone who has one and check it out!!!!


KP
 

HFD eng1ine

Member
Jul 27, 2010
974
Essex County. MA
kinnelonfire75 said:
I carry webbing and a Streamlight 2AA single LED light in my left coat pocket, Super gloves in my right pocket, a Channellock 87 tool and extrication gloves in my right bunker pocket and I leave the left bunker pocket for personal things like my cell phone and keys, plus my PASS device key goes there when its activated.

Wait.....u put your cell phone in your gear pockets? Into fires? And your have never had it get wet ot damaged from the heat...? Wouldnt it just be easier to leave it on your belt or in your normal pants pocket? That what I did and everyone else i know does. Theres REALLY no need to have a cellphone in reach at a fire. If you ABSOLUTLY had to use it it will only take an extra second to reach into your pant pocket under your gear.


KP
 

HFD eng1ine

Member
Jul 27, 2010
974
Essex County. MA
heres a picture of my dads vantage mounted..he never had a problem with it and its just insanly bright. And very adjustable for all leather helmets.

0831091300d.jpg
 

backdraft51

Member
Sep 29, 2010
411
Tennessee
Hoser said:
One of the best flashlights Ive ever owned is the Nebo Redline. Would have loved to have had one during my years with the FD. It can be bought for around $25.

Agreed with him. I have a red line on my Helmet useing the stream light blackjack flashlight bracket for my helmet. Best investment I have made.
 

ffemt88

Member
Jun 13, 2010
26
N/A
If you don't have them ...


ai1132.photobucket.com_albums_m563_kiwibagpiper_cc10.jpg


The most basic, but most important thing to have in your pockets. I can live in the dark, or without a radio, but I couldn't live without these. Plus, they're only about $13 bucks.
 
May 21, 2010
1,176
NJ & IA
HFD eng1ine said:
Wait.....u put your cell phone in your gear pockets? Into fires? And your have never had it get wet ot damaged from the heat...? Wouldnt it just be easier to leave it on your belt or in your normal pants pocket? That what I did and everyone else i know does. Theres REALLY no need to have a cellphone in reach at a fire. If you ABSOLUTLY had to use it it will only take an extra second to reach into your pant pocket under your gear.

KP

Google Image Result for http://www.cnet.com/i/bto/20091119/g%27zone_rock_270x449.jpg


Its indestructible. I have tried time and time again to damage it. Don't worry, and yes, I have found a cell phone useful inside before.
 

mjw357

Member
Jun 17, 2011
188
OHIO
ffemt88 said:
The most basic, but most important thing to have in your pockets. I can live in the dark, or without a radio, but I couldn't live without these. Plus, they're only about $13 bucks.

Not a FF but curious. They're cable cutters, you use them to cut ???
 

ffemt88

Member
Jun 13, 2010
26
N/A
36TruckK said:
Cables..of all things..LOL

One of the biggest hazards facing FF's these days interior in structures is entanglement. As technology advances, so does the amount of cables that are being tossed into walls and drop ceilings. The more and more items you carry on the outside of your gear & helmet, the greater your chance for being caught up [Helmet and handlights, door chocks, glove holders, radio straps, even PASS alarms - If its not something I use on absolutely every call its either in a pocket or left hanging in my locker]. This is just a short video of some guys going through a small prop to simulate these hazards


Those cutters, will do just about anything. The tracks from a drop ceiling, to CAT 5, to phone cables. If you can fit it in the tool, it will cut it.
 

36TruckK

Member
Jul 16, 2010
357
Dutchess County, NY
Great explanation!


I actually have a design in mind for a pair of cutters that can be used with one gloved hand, in zero visibilty. I just need to figure out how to get them made..
 

ffemt88

Member
Jun 13, 2010
26
N/A
36TruckK said:
Great explanation!

I actually have a design in mind for a pair of cutters that can be used with one gloved hand, in zero visibilty. I just need to figure out how to get them made..

Someone already beat you to it!


ai1132.photobucket.com_albums_m563_kiwibagpiper_springcutters2.jpg


ai1132.photobucket.com_albums_m563_kiwibagpiper_springcutters1.jpg


As seen on vententersearch.com


If I recall correctly he used a clothespin spring and welded it to the cutters. Patent it before he does!
 

36TruckK

Member
Jul 16, 2010
357
Dutchess County, NY
ffemt88 said:
Someone already beat you to it!

ai1132.photobucket.com_albums_m563_kiwibagpiper_springcutters2.jpg


ai1132.photobucket.com_albums_m563_kiwibagpiper_springcutters1.jpg


As seen on vententersearch.com


If I recall correctly he used a clothespin spring and welded it to the cutters. Patent it before he does!

Similar, in fact his was the inspiration for my design...I just fine tuned it.
 

Bonanno

Member
May 21, 2010
535
Neptune, NJ
I have a Streamlight 4AA on my helmet, works awesome. Been thinking of a Streamlight Vantage as my buddy as one and loves it.


Also have a pair of cable cutters, a Mutli Tool, 5-in-1 screwdriver, shove knife, folding spanner wrench, lockblade knife, 5-in-1 rescue tool (glass punch, pry, seat belt cutter, gas shutoff), 20ft webbing, 35ft nomex rope, 2 caribiners, extrication gloves, ems shears, nitrile gloves,
 

Lt. Dino

Member
May 24, 2010
144
Georgetown, USA
Jacket left pocket: Left mechanics glove for extrication and a couple wedges.


Jacket right pocket: Right mechanics glove and my hood.


Right pants pocket: 25' Webbing loop, 2 carabiners, right structural glove.


Left Pants Pocket: Cable Cutters (just like ffemt88), folding spanner wrench, utility knife and my left structural glove.


I have a Streamlight Vantage helmet light... I don't like it.


We're issued Bright Star Responder flashlights for our coats which aren't bad.


In my radio pocket I've got, well, my radio and a shove knife.


I also carry a Bright Star Light Hawk lantern light... I love that thing.
 

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